'Art' of advertising is hard to pin down

Published: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 11:23 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Pignanelli: LaVarr and I are obsessed with all things political. This strange and demented feature of our personalities foments discussions with others eager to share opinions related to their expertise. In other words, media and PR gurus know we will actually listen to them. Here is the latest buzz on the street:

There is universal acclaim for the self-deprecating billboards developed by W Communications for Sen. Bob Bennett. By highlighting his Ichabod Crane physical features in a race he is likely to win, Bennett will garner even more affection from voters hungry for humor. Media specialists are also amused by the almost identical television commercials (crafted for education and radioactive waste disposal issues) sponsored by Jon Huntsman Jr., Scott Matheson Jr. and Congressman Jim Matheson. Obviously, focus group and polling results of swing voters are determining campaign themes. The perceived similarity between the gubernatorial candidates is making the race closer than the political dynamics of the state would suggest. This is an obvious benefit to Matheson, who is working hard to convince Republicans that it is all right to vote for him. Huntsman will need to articulate his unique advantages on the airwaves in the next several weeks in order to hold or expand his lead. Electronic media insiders predict that national Democratic and Republican congressional committees, independent from the Matheson and John Swallow campaigns, will together spend over $1 million in the 2nd Congressional District election in the next four weeks.

Story continues below

One cannot overstate the severity of the professional criticism toward Nancy Workman's "I am the victim of politics" commercials. At the outset of troubles, Workman should have made amends for transgressions, real or perceived. With such a demeanor, the mayor would have remained competitive against Peter Corroon (who is receiving kudos for his dignified behavior). Her current strategy of defending in public, and without remorse, against legal attacks is difficult even for articulate candidates. Specialists do not believe that Workman possesses the personal communication skills to achieve any success with this approach, despite her many achievements as mayor.

Communication specialists are scratching their heads over the attorney general's race. First, the popular Republican incumbent, Mark Shurtleff, agrees to be part of a joint statement with Democratic Greg Skordas in opposing Amendment 3, which prohibits same-sex marriage. Not only does this anger Shurtleff's conservative base, the well-publicized action also elevates Skordas as his peer. Then, while enjoying this boost, Skordas agrees to defend Nancy Workman in her felony trial. Liberals, pleased with Shurtleff's courageous opposition to Amendment 3, are irritated that Skordas would help the disparaged Workman. PR experts believe the confusing messages from Shurtleff and Skordas are dampening support from their own party faithful.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

2 men cited in trespassing on LDS plaza

It's hilarious to compare today's comments about the Mormon seminary teacher...

I love all the non-mormon comments. They just seem thrilled with the...

I NEVER picked Perez Hilton. He is bottom feeder and a poor excuse for a...

Damn man still can't believe you're still gone and its been almost a couple...

This is a wonderful article. Faiths all over the world can do so much good...

If government can't help, which seemingly it can't, they should just leave us...

2 men cited in trespassing on LDS plaza

For all of you who asked what the difference between a straight couple...

BYU football: 2010 commitments

While reading most of the comments by the fans of BYU and Utah, one could say...

It's going to be funny in 20 years when all this seems stupid, and you are on...

When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness,...

Advertisements